Ace Combat Zero Is Getting a Standalone Steam Version

Bandai Namco has confirmed plans to release Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War as a standalone application on Steam, allowing eligible players to launch the classic game without opening Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve.

Ace Combat Zero was originally offered as a pre-order bonus for Ace Combat 8, which launched on October 2, 2026. However, the PC version required players to access the bonus through the newer game's installation.

This arrangement prompted complaints from players who wanted to experience Ace Combat Zero without downloading Ace Combat 8.

In an update shared through the official Ace Combat 8 Steam announcements, Bandai Namco confirmed that it is preparing a separate application and conducting final quality assurance and compatibility testing.

Once the change is implemented, eligible players will be able to launch Ace Combat Zero independently or continue accessing it through Ace Combat 8.

The company also expects save data to be shared between both versions through Steam Cloud, allowing players to continue their progress regardless of which version they launch.

However, the standalone release will only be available to players who already received Ace Combat Zero as a pre-order bonus. It does not mean the game will become available for separate purchase on Steam.

Bandai Namco has not announced an exact release date for the new application.

The change addresses one of the main complaints surrounding the PC pre-order bonus and should make the classic flight combat game more convenient to access for existing owners.